> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.fieldfunded.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Authentication

> How to authenticate with the FieldFunded API

## API Key Authentication

All API requests require an `X-API-Key` header with your API key.

```bash theme={null}
curl -X GET "https://api.fieldfunded.com/v1/sports" \
  -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY"
```

<Warning>
  Never expose your API key in client-side code or public repositories. Always use server-side requests or environment variables.
</Warning>

## Getting your API key

1. Visit [docs.fieldfunded.com](https://docs.fieldfunded.com)
2. Click **Get API Key**
3. Fill in your details and expected request volume
4. We respond within **24 hours** with your dedicated key

## Error responses

| Status Code | Description                                  |
| ----------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| `401`       | Missing or invalid API key                   |
| `403`       | API key doesn't have access to this resource |
| `429`       | Rate limit exceeded                          |

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Quick Start Guide" icon="play" href="/quickstart">
    Get your API key and make your first call in 5 minutes
  </Card>

  <Card title="SDK Reference" icon="npm" href="/sdk">
    TypeScript SDK handles authentication automatically
  </Card>

  <Card title="Error Handling" icon="triangle-exclamation" href="/errors">
    Full error codes and handling patterns
  </Card>

  <Card title="Rate Limits" icon="gauge" href="/rate-limits">
    Understanding request quotas and burst limits
  </Card>
</CardGroup>